Aorto-Iliac Arterial Examination

This test is to provide information about plaque that can build up inside the arteries of your abdomen.

By using a special probe (a microphone-like device) the vascular technologist examines the amount of blockage being caused by the plaque, and if the plaque is hard or soft, smooth or rough.

Using this information, your medical caregiver can make specific recommendations about any further testing or procedures that may follow the examination.

At the beginning of the exam you will be asked to lie down on a table and expose your abdomen. The technician will then place a water based gel on the areas that he/she will need to examine. At various times during the exam you may hear a noise that sounds like your heart beat. This is actually the blood moving through the artery being examined at that point in your test.

The time the exam takes is different for each person, but you can expect about half an hour for the exam.

When you are scheduled for this test, you will be given a preparatory instruction sheet. You need to follow these instructions exactly as written in order for your test to be completed. If for any reason you can not follow these instructions, your test may need to be rescheduled.

There are several reasons why your medical care giver may request this examination. The following are examples of these reasons:

• Plaque already diagnosed within your arteries
• Bruit    (Hearing a sound in your abdomen with a stethoscope)
• Pain in legs when walking
• High Blood Pressure
• Suspected enlargement of an abdominal artery
• Accident/Injury

To see the arteries that the technician will be examining go to Abdominal Vascular Examination.

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